Video game controller with rechargeable battery system

ABSTRACT

A wireless computer game controller with rechargeable batteries that may be recharged while the batteries are installed on the controller and/or while the controller is in operation. Disposable batteries may also power the controller. In one embodiment, a communication cable connects the controller with a stand-alone computer game console such that the rechargeable battery pack is recharged directly from the game console through the communication cable. The cable not only establishes a communication link to facilitate the transmission of both command signals and audio/video signals between the controller and computer device, but it also deliver a recharge signal to the battery pack through the game controller. In another embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack is recharged through a stand-alone cradle that receives either the controller while the batteries are mounted to the controller or the battery pack separate from controller. The cradle may be part of an adapter assembly that converts the game console into a wireless transmitter/receiver.

This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefitof U.S. provisional application No. 60/647,800 filed Jan. 31, 2005,which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to video game controllers and morespecifically to a wireless controller with rechargeable battery packthat may be recharged while installed on the wireless controller, or awireless controller with disposable batteries that may be powered by apower cable if the batteries become depleted.

2. Description of the Related Art

Computer video games are well known in the art. Such devices range fromsmall hand held all-in-one units, to larger stand-alone units whichinteract with stand alone controllers and stand alone video displaydevices. Small hand held devices are very portable. However, thegraphics and sophistication game play are substantially inferior tostand alone units due limited processing power and associatedperipherals. For more sophisticated play, stand alone computer unitsprovide tremendous processing power and work with associated peripheraldevices, such as a remote controller and television display in anattempt to bring the player a more dramatic gaming experience to that ofhand held devices. These devices are widely available on the market andare well know in the art.

A central stand-alone console contains all the essential processingcomponents to run a computer game. A controller is connected tocommunicate operation control commands from a user. A separate displayis connected to the gaming device to display interactive video gamingimages. As previously mentioned, this conventional arrangement is wellknown in the art.

With the tremendous commercial success of stand alone computer gamingsystems, and entire peripheral market has emerged ranging from advancedvideo controllers, joysticks, steering wheel devices for racing games,multi-tap controllers, vibrating controllers, video stands, audiosystems and the like. Programmable controllers are also available whichallow a user to customize the operation of control buttons and to evenstore and retrieved such customized arrangements.

As a game is played, a player or players control various visual aspectsof the game using either the hard-wired or wireless controllers. All ofthe controllers require power to operate but power sources can becumbersome or inefficient, especially for wireless controllers. The needexists for a wireless controller that can accommodate alkaline batteriesand/or a rechargeable batteries where the rechargeable batteries can berecharged in an efficient and useful manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a wireless computer game controllerwith rechargeable batteries that may be recharged while the batteriesare installed on the controller and/or while the controller is inoperation.

In one embodiment, a communication cable connects the controller with astand-alone computer game console such that the rechargeable batterypack is recharged directly from the game console through thecommunication cable. The cable not only establishes a communication linkto facilitate the transmission of both command signals and audio/videosignals between the controller and computer device, but it also deliversa recharge voltage to the battery pack through the game controller.

In another embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack is rechargedthrough a stand-alone cradle that receives either the controller whilethe batteries are mounted to the controller or the battery pack separatefrom controller. The cradle may be part of an adapter assembly thatconverts the game console into a wireless transmitter/receiver. Theadapter/receiver can act as the rechargeable cradle while the controlleris not being used and may require to be recharged during breaktime.

In another embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack is recharged byconnecting a power cable directly to the controller and/or directly tothe battery pack while the battery pack is mounted to the controller.

In another embodiment, the controller may be powered with disposable(e.g., alkaline) batteries that may be powered by connecting a powercable directly to the controller when the disposable batteries aredepleted.

These and other features of the present invention will become moreapparent with reference to the following drawings and associateddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example interactive computer graphics system withwireless controllers.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a controller according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a controller shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the front of the controller as viewedalong view line IV-IV shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the controller of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the controller of FIG. 2 shown in conjunctionwith a controller cable used to both sending two-way communicationsignals between the game console and the controller as well as sending acharging signal to recharge to batteries of the controller.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the front of the controller as viewedalong view line VII-VII shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a wireless adapter and a controller powercable used to send a charging signal to recharge to batteries of thecontroller.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the front of the controller similar to theview shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates a generic and conceptual charge circuit for therechargeable battery pack.

FIG. 11 illustrates a specific recharge circuit for a wirelesscontroller and rechargeable battery pack for use with the XBox® gamesystem.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate specific recharge circuits for a wirelesscontroller and rechargeable battery pack for use with the XBox® gamesystem.

FIG. 14 illustrates a specific recharge circuit for a wirelesscontroller and rechargeable battery pack for use with the PS2® gamesystem.

FIG. 15 illustrates a specific circuit for wireless/wired controllerthat can be powered by disposable batteries or by a direct power cablewhen the batteries are low.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an example interactive computer graphics system 50. System50 can be used to play interactive video games with interesting stereosound. It can also be used for a variety of other applications.

In this example, system 50 is capable of processing, interactively inreal time, a signal in response to real time inputs from handheldcontrollers 52 a, 52 b or other input devices. To play a video game orother application using system 50, the user first connects a main unit54 to his or her television set or other video display device 56 orother display device by connecting a cable 58 between the two. Main unit54 produces both video signals and audio signals for controlling thevideo display device 56. The video signals are what controls the imagesdisplayed on the television screen 59, and the audio signals are playedback as sound through television stereo loudspeakers 61L, 61R.

The user also needs to connect main unit 54 to a power source. Thispower source may be a conventional AC adapter (not shown) that plugsinto a standard home electrical wall socket and converts the housecurrent into a lower DC voltage signal suitable for powering the mainunit 54. Batteries could be used in other implementations.

The user may use hand controllers 52 a, 52 b to control main unit 54.Controls 60 a, 60 b can be used, for example, to specify the direction(up or down, left or right, closer or further away) that a characterdisplayed on television 56 should move. Controls 60 a, 60 b also provideinput for other applications (e.g., menu selection, pointer/cursorcontrol, etc.). Controllers 52 a, 52 b can take a variety of forms. Inthis example, controllers 52 a, 52 b shown each include controls 60 a,60 b such as joysticks, push buttons and/or directional switches.Typically, such controllers 52 a, 52 b may be connected to main unit 54by cables or wirelessly via electromagnetic (e.g., radio or infrared)waves.

To play an application such as a game, the user selects an appropriatestorage medium 62 (e.g., CD, DVD, etc.) storing the video game or otherapplication he or she wants to play, and inserts that storage mediuminto a slot 64 in main unit 54. Storage medium 62 may, for example, be aspecially encoded and/or encrypted optical and/or magnetic disk thatstores commands for graphics and audio processor 114 and/or instructionscontrolling main processor 110 to develop such commands. The user mayoperate a power switch 66 to turn on main unit 54 and cause the mainunit to begin running the video game or other application based on thesoftware stored in the storage medium 62. The user may operatecontrollers 52 to provide inputs to main unit 54. For example, operatinga control 60 a, 60 b may cause the game or other application to start.Moving other controls 60 a, 60 b can cause animated characters to movein different directions or change the user's point of view. Dependingupon the particular software stored within the storage medium 62, thevarious controls 60 a, 60 b on the controller 52 a, and 52 b can performdifferent functions at different times.

FIG. 2 depicts a wireless video game controller according to oneembodiment of the present invention in the form of a hand held unit 100ergonomically formed to be held by a hand(s) of a user. The hand heldunit 100 includes a plurality of operating members for manipulation ofthe users hand to facilitate wireless interaction with a game console.The 2.4 GHz (operating frequency) controller may be the programmabletype, include a vibratory member for heightened tactile game play aswell as lighted buttons etc. The controller 100 preferably includes six(6) Digital Action Buttons; 2 Trigger Buttons; a Turbo Function Button;a Power ON/OFF switch; and other suitable buttons/switches. Thecontroller also includes rubberized grips 104 for comfortable handling,and dual expansion slots may also be provided on the remote controller.

With reference to FIG. 3, the wireless controller 100 is powered by 2“AA” Alkaline Batteries or a 3V DC Rechargeable Battery Pack 130 adaptedto fit in the battery compartment 101 of the controller 100 shown inFIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a partial detailed view of the area designated by viewlines IV-IV of FIG. 2. With reference to FIG. 4, the controller furtherincludes battery charging port 106 with LED charging indicator 108, aswell as a 3 position vibration switch 109 known to those of skill in theart. With the embodiment of FIG. 4, the rechargeable batteries 130 maybe recharged by a conventional power cable (not shown).

The present invention also provides a mechanical or electrical switch102 on the controller that is closed when the rechargeable battery pack130 is placed in the battery compartment 101. Due to the physical shapeof the battery pack 130, an actuator on the battery pack 130 closes theswitch 102. However, when conventional disposable batteries are used,the switch 102 is not closed. In other words, an electro-mechanicalactuator/switch 102 functions as charging circuit activation switch torecharge the battery pack 130 when the rechargeable battery pack 130 isdisposed in the battery compartment 101 due to the physical interactionbetween the battery pack 103 and switch 102. When the battery pack 130is not present or when alkaline batteries 130 are disposed in thebattery compartment 101, the electro mechanical actuator 102 is notactivated and the control circuitry delivers power directly to thecontroller 100.

FIG. 10 shows a generic and conceptual charge circuit for therechargeable battery pack 130. Switch 102 is closed only when therechargeable battery pack 130 is placed in the compartment 101 and amechanical actuator on the battery pack 130 closes the switch 102.

FIG. 11 shows a specific recharge circuit for a wireless controller 200and rechargeable battery pack 230 for use with the XBox® game system.The circuit of FIG. 11 allows the controller to be played withoutcharging the battery pack 230 during game play. The circuit of FIG. 11is used in the system shown in FIG. 6 with cable 200 and plugs 210, 220.Power from an AC adaptor with no charge circuit implementation isconnected to port 204. With the controller 200 in the ‘off’ position,power to charge batteries is provided through port 206 (or port 204).Switch 202 is closed only when the rechargeable battery pack 230 isplaced in the compartment 201 of the controller and a mechanicalactuator on the battery pack 230 closes the switch 202.

FIG. 12 shows a specific recharge circuit for a wireless controller 300and rechargeable battery pack 330 for use with the XBox® game system.The circuit of FIG. 12 allows the battery pack 330 to be charged duringgame play or with the controller 300 in the ‘off’ position. The circuitof FIG. 12 is also used in the system shown in FIG. 6 with cable 200 andplugs 210, 220. Power from an AC adaptor with a charge circuit isapplied directly to the batteries through port 304 for charging when thecontroller on/off switch is in the ‘off’ position. With the controller300 in the ‘on’ or ‘off’ position, trickle charge is provided throughport 206. Switch 302 is closed only when the rechargeable battery pack330 is placed in the compartment of the controller and a mechanicalactuator on the battery pack 330 closes the switch 302.

FIG. 13 shows a specific recharge circuit for a wireless controller 400and rechargeable battery pack 430 for use with the XBox® game system.The circuit of FIG. 13 allows the battery pack 430 to be charged duringgame play or with the controller 300 in the ‘off’ position. Switch 402is closed only when the rechargeable battery pack 430 is placed in thecompartment of the controller and a mechanical actuator on the batterypack 430 closes the switch 402. Power (5 Volts) from an AC adaptor maybe applied through port 404 for charging. With the controller 400 in the‘off’ position (i.e., switch 406), the switch 408 and switch 409 providepower to the controller and provide full charge capability to therechargeable battery pack 430. When the controller 400 is in the ‘on’position (i.e., switch 406), a re-charge trickle charge is sent to therechargeable batteries during use of the controller 400. Input power tothe controller 400 is supplied through a two-connector cable connectedto either the adapter/receiver or a game console.

FIG. 14 shows a specific recharge circuit for a wireless controller 500and rechargeable battery pack 530 for use with the PS2® game system. Thecircuit of FIG. 14 allows the battery pack 530 to be charged during gameplay or with the controller 500 in the ‘off’ position. Switch 502 isclosed only when the rechargeable battery pack 530 is placed in thecompartment of the controller and a mechanical actuator on the batterypack 530 closes the switch 502. Power (8 Volts) from an AC adaptor maybe applied through port 504 for charging. With the controller 500 in the‘off’ position (i.e., switch 506), the switch 508 and switch 509 providepower to the controller and provide full charge capability to therechargeable battery pack 530. When the controller 500 is in the ‘on’position (i.e., switch 506), a re-charge trickle charge is sent to therechargeable batteries during use of the controller 500. Input power tothe controller 500 is supplied through a two-connector cable connectedto either the adapter/receiver or a game console.

FIG. 15 shows a specific circuit for wireless/wired controller 600 thatcan be powered by disposable batteries 630 or by a direct power cablewhen the batteries 630 are low. Switch 602 is used to connect/disconnectthe batteries from the circuit. When no external power is applied to thecontroller 600 at input port 604, the controller 600 is configured tofunction from the batteries 630. When external power is connected to thecontroller at input port 604, the batteries are disconnected and thecontroller 600 is powered from the external power source. The relaysshown with no power applied from the external power source.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the controller 100 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the recharging capability of the presentinvention; namely, a communication cable 200 facilitates communicationwith a stand-alone computer gaming console 54 is also provided torecharge the battery pack. The communication cable 200 is adapted tointerface with the controller ports of the game console 54 at the firstend plug 210 and to interface with the controller 100 at the second endcontroller cable plug 220 at the controller cable port 150. Seecontroller cable port 150 shown in FIG. 7. When the rechargeablebatteries 130 shown in FIG. 6 need to be recharged, the cable 200 can beplugged into both the console 54 and the controller 100 to recharge thebatteries or battery pack 130. The cable 200 also delivers controlsignal between the controller 100 and the game console 54. In this case,it is possible to facilitate communication between the game console 54and the controller 100 while recharging the batteries. In thisembodiment, the wireless controller functions as a conventional wiredcontroller to facilitate play while charging. See FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate system for charging the batteries of thecontroller where a power plug 300 delivers a charging signal from thewireless adapter 350 to the controller 100. As known in the art, theconventional game console 54 may be converted for wireless communicationby the adapter 350 which interfaces with the game console 54 at theconsole plug 360 which fits into the controller port of the game console54. The wireless controller 100 sends and received wireless signals toand from the receiver unit 351, which signals are then transmitted tothe game console through the controller port of the game console 54. Thereceiver unit 351 is provided with a power jack 352 that receives thepower plug 310, and the other end 320 of the power plug is connected tothe controller 1000 at a charging port 190 shown in FIG. 9. In thisembodiment, the wireless controller functions as a wireless controllerthat communicates with the wireless transmitter/receiver unit 351 duringthe charging operation. See FIGS. 13 and 14.

This invention also envisions a combination of the features of FIGS.6-9, where the wireless controller 100 may include both the controllercable port 150 (see FIG. 7) as well as the power charging port 190 (seeFIG. 9) to provide a versatile charging arrangement that permits bothwired or wireless communication during the charging operation.

Thus, the controller 100 has the ability to communicate with the gamingconsole through dual channels. First, the controller has wirelesstransmission/receiver circuitry to wirelessly communicate to the gamingplatform via the receiver/transmitter unit 350 and establish wirelesstwo-way communication there between. Circuitry for the wired connectionis also provided to allow direct connection via controller cable 200shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The wired circuitry may include a simpledetection circuit, detecting the voltage supplied by the console viacable 200 to select transmission through the wired circuitry. Thisdetection isolates the wireless transmission circuitry during saidconnection. Furthermore, the detection circuitry shunts/diverts voltageto the recharging circuitry to facilitate charging of the batteries. SeeFIGS. 10-15. Thus the ability to use multiple sources of voltage(through direct coupling to gaming platform, connection to wirelessreceiver 350, or to a dedicated voltage source such as a conventionalconverter) coupled with the capability to communicate to the gameplatform through dual mediums (wired or wireless) affords tremendousflexibility and convenient to the user. For example, when the batteriesare low, the player may still use the wireless controller via cable 200and simultaneous play and recharge the battery. Thus, a player need notinvest in additional wired controller as a back up for times when thebatteries run out. Furthermore, the receiver unit 350 may be formed as acradle unit corresponding to a shape of the controller to both provide astorage bay for the wireless controller and provide a physical directconnection to charge the battery pack avoiding the necessity for cable300. Such an arrangement provides an incentive to maintain thecontroller in this dedicated location and ensures that the batterieswithin the controller are always sufficiently charged to facilitate playand thus avoid recharging down time.

The controller 100 also has dual sources for recharging the batter pack.As previously mentioned, voltage may be drawn from voltage suppliedthrough the wired cable 200 coupled directly to the gaming platform.However, controller 100 may also be provided with supplemental chargeport to be connected to an alternate voltage source such as a dedicatedpower cable 300 through a connection to the adapter receiver unit 350 orfrom another power source.

Although the power plug 300 is shown as a separate cord, it will beunderstood by those of skill in the art that the power plug 300 may beintegrated into the wireless adapter unit 350. Similarly, the adapterunit 350 may be formed as a cradle for the controller such that thecontroller may be electrically connected to the adapter unit by sittingdirectly on the adapter when the controller is not being used. In thiscase, the battery charge port 106 (see FIG. 4) mates directly with ajack on the adapter 351. When cradled in this manner, the controllerbatteries may be recharged without connecting or disconnecting separatecables. The controller simply cradles with the adapter unit for thepurpose of recharging the controller batteries 130.

It is also noted that the present invention provides a special safetydevice (e.g., charging circuit activation switch 102) that preventsaccidental charging of disposable batteries through the controllercharging port. The charging circuitry is “closed” when the speciallydesigned battery pack is mounted to the controller by a mechanicalactuator that physically closes a switch in the recharging circuit. SeeFIGS. 10-15.

It will also be apparent to those of skill in the art that thedetachable controller cable shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 provides alternativemeans of power with simultaneous two-way communication even whenbatteries are not available.

The invention also envisions an idle sleep mode for the battery-poweredcontroller to conserve power when the controller is not is use.Likewise, the smart circuit design of this invention detects when powerfrom detachable controller cable is available in order to isolate andpreserve battery power.

Moreover, the invention allows the use of either disposable batteries ora rechargeable battery pack.

While the foregoing invention has been shown and described withreference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those ofskill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

1. A wireless computer game controller, comprising: at least one controlbutton for selectively controlling a signal delivered to a game console,wherein said game console is adapted to display an image on a monitor;wireless transmitter/receiver circuitry for sending and receivingcontrol signals to and from said game console; a battery compartment forreceiving at least one of a disposable battery and a rechargeablebattery; at least one battery charge port for electrical connection to apower source to recharge said rechargeable battery.
 2. The controller ofclaim 1, wherein said rechargeable battery may be recharged through thecontroller while the batteries are installed on the controller.
 3. Thecontroller of claim 1, wherein said rechargeable battery may berecharged while the controller is in operation transmitting controlsignals to said game console.
 4. The controller of claim 1, furthercomprising a communication cable connects the controller with said gameconsole such that the rechargeable battery is recharged directly fromthe game console through the communication cable.
 5. The controller ofclaim 4, further comprising a controller cable port adapted tocommunicate with a communication cable, wherein said communication cableestablishes a wired communication link to facilitate the transmission ofboth command signals and audio/video signals between the controller andsaid game console, and said communication cable simultaneously deliversa recharge signal to the battery pack through the game controller. 6.The controller of claim 1, wherein said communication cable supersedessaid wireless transmitter/receiver circuitry as a primary component forsending and receiving control signals to and from said game console. 7.The controller of claim 6, further comprising a detection circuit fordetecting a voltage supplied via said communication cable to selecttransmission through the wired communication link, said detectioncircuit adapted to isolate the wireless transmitter/receiver circuitryduring connection of said communication cable.
 8. The controller ofclaim 7, wherein the detection circuit is adapted to shunt/divertvoltage to recharging circuitry to facilitate charging of therechargeable battery.
 9. The controller of claim 1, wherein saidrechargeable battery is recharged through a stand-alone cradle that iselectrically connected to either the controller while the batteries aremounted to the controller or the battery pack separate from controller.10. The controller of claim 9, wherein said cradle is formed as part ofan adapter assembly that converts the game console into a wirelesstransmitter/receiver.
 11. The controller of claim 9, further comprisinga power cord, wherein said at least one battery charge portion iselectrically connected through said power cord to a power source that isformed as part of an adapter assembly that converts the game consoleinto a wireless transmitter/receiver.
 12. The controller of claim 1,further comprising a mechanical actuator for activating a chargingcircuitry provided in said controller.
 13. A battery recharging systemfor a wireless computer game controller, comprising: at least onerechargeable battery disposed on said wireless computer game controller;at least one battery charge port for electrical connecting a powersource to recharge said at least one rechargeable battery; at least onepower cable for delivery power to said rechargeable battery while thebatteries are installed on the controller in such a manner that saidrechargeable battery may be recharged through the controller while thecontroller sends and receives control signals to a game console.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein said power cable defines a communicationcable that connects the controller with said game console such that therechargeable battery is recharged directly from the game console throughthe communication cable.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein saidcontroller comprises a controller cable port adapted to communicate witha communication cable, wherein said communication cable establishes awired communication link to facilitate the transmission of both commandsignals and audio/video signals between the controller and said gameconsole, and said communication cable simultaneously delivers a rechargesignal to the battery pack through the game controller.
 16. The systemof claim 15, wherein said communication cable supersedes said wirelesstransmitter/receiver circuitry as a primary component for sending andreceiving control signals to and from said game console.
 17. The systemof claim 14, further comprising a detection circuit for detecting avoltage supplied via said communication cable to select transmissionthrough the wired communication link, said detection circuit adapted toisolate the wireless transmitter/receiver circuitry during connection ofsaid communication cable.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein thedetection circuit is adapted to shunt/divert voltage to rechargingcircuitry to facilitate charging of the rechargeable battery.
 19. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein said rechargeable battery is rechargedthrough a stand-alone cradle that is electrically connected to eitherthe controller while the batteries are mounted to the controller or thebattery pack separate from controller.
 20. The system of claim 19,wherein said cradle is formed as part of an adapter assembly thatconverts the game console into a wireless transmitter/receiver.
 21. Thesystem of claim 9, further comprising a power cord, wherein said atleast one battery charge portion is electrically connected through saidpower cord to a power source that is formed as part of an adapterassembly that converts the game console into a wirelesstransmitter/receiver.